Robert Browning

Grow old along with me!
The best is yet to be..

The lark's on the wing…

Truth, that's brighter than gem,
Trust, that's purer than pearl, —
Brightest truth, purest trust in the universe, — all were for me
In the kiss of one girl.

He gathers earth's whole good into his arms;
Standing, as man now, stately, strong and wise,
Marching to fortune, not surprised by her.

Deeds let escape are never to be done.

Rats!
They fought the dogs and killed the cats,
And bit the babies in the cradles,
And ate the cheeses out of the vats,
And licked the soup from the cooks' own ladles,
Split open the kegs of salted sprats,

Who hears music feels his solitude
Peopled at once.

Have you found your life distasteful?
My life did and does smack sweet.

How good is man's life, the mere living!
How fit to employ
All the heart and the soul and the senses
Forever in joy!